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Correct, it was discussed many times before.
However, if you wish to bring this up again, try to narrow down your topic by defining what do you mean as "best" and "ever".
Otherwise, it will be another fiery debate here!

I think its very interesting topic to come discuss. "Who is the best singles player in the world?" After following the badminton scene from 60s to present and with so many contrasting styles. Some greats to note- Wong Peng Soon, Rudy Hartono, Liem Swie King, Han Jian, Luan Jin, Morten Frost, Yang Yang, Jiao Jian Hua ?
But todays champion has short life span. I am also keen to know how Tang Xian Hu (The Thing) and How Jia Chang would measure up with the rest. Pity he did not play with Rudy Hartono. Heard that Indonesian Federation wanted to avoid this match at all cost. So many players. Question is "WHO IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD"

Rudy Hartono is the biggest name. For those i have known in my 18 years it would be Sun Jun or Peter Gade. These 2 players are masters in speed, tecnique and offensive play. Perhaps also Høyer Larsen and Haryanto Arbi could join these two.

hmm thats hard to say. I would not say he is the best, perhaps right now but not in for the last 10 years. Chen Hong is very fast and has some very hard smashes but besides that he isnt so impressive as for example Sun Jun who could attack or play defensive using his amazing technique. I dont say that Chen Hong is a bad player or weaker than other former world class players. I only think that he hasnt so many skills like Sun Jun, Gade or Hoeyer Larsen who have played or still plays in the same time as he does...

I don't follow badminton competitions much but have watched the World Championships and the All England this year (mainly due to the lack of exposure on UK satelite TV) but the one thing that I notice is the inconsistency of wins, it seems to me the Chinese are in a far better position when it comes to competition consistency for doubles (both mixed and level as they always seem to be in the semi's and finals) but the singles seems to be all over the place. The finals in these two competitions were very different, more of a mix of nationalities.

So I would like to ask, what determines "THE BEST" is it results in competition or the ranking system, showmanship and creativity or longevity of career having been there or thereabouts for so long when the top few are constantly changing?

Another major point in making a player the 'best' will be consistency. You can be one of the most talented player in the world and yet win nothing or fall when it matters the most; beat some of the best rivals while losing to lesser ones. That, to me, does not sound like 'the best' at all.

If consistency-wise is a point of consideration, then, for the 80s it should be Yang Yang and/or Zhao Jianhua for that matter.

Currently , i can say that Chen Hong is the best player around because of his consistency in winning tournaments unless if he in hampered by injuries. I can't say much in regards of best Player of all time. Its just too many to mention.

I know there are a lot of others, specially from the 50-80's but I havent seen them play so it's hard to point out where on this top ten they should be. Are these players just crap or have I made something wright